From the editor’s desk

Published: Monday, March 10, 2014 2:03 p.m. CDT

As I write this on Monday, I think the warmer weather outside makes us all feel better. Even though the time change had us rubbing our eyes a bit earlier this morning than what we are used to, the sun and almost spring-like weather made it all worthwhile. Right now, I’m imagining a long line at the car washes in Bureau County.

As the weather thaws, you’ll want to be on the look out for those darn potholes. As villages/cities/the county and state work hard to repair those craters, be extra careful when you’re traveling. A good-sized pothole can wreak havoc on your vehicle. Slow down. Those potholes are especially difficult to see at night.

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Next Monday is St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you’re Irish or not, you’ll want to watch for our fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day feature in Saturday’s Bureau County Republican. We’ve included a listing of many of the places in the Illinois Valley that will be serving that ever-popular corned beef and cabbage ... plus a whole lot more. Watch for it!

An Irish saying: “There are many good reasons for drinking,One has just entered my head.If a man doesn’t drink when he’s living,How in the heck can he drink when he’s dead?”

St. Patrick’s Day toast: “Here’s to a long life and a merry one.A quick death and an easy oneA pretty girl and an honest oneA cold beer – and another one!”

They say everybody is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy!

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Just a reminder: We’d be happy to publish a brief on your organization’s upcoming event. Whether it’s a fish fry, a church dinner, etc., please send us the what, when, where and why to news@bcrnews.com. Remember to include your name and telephone number, so we can call you if we have any questions before we publish. Thanks.

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With warmer weather here to stay (I’m an optimist), please be careful as you drive. A lot of younger children will be excited to be outside and play after our brutal and often bitterly cold weather, and they might not use the best judgment when it comes to crossing streets, chasing after a ball, etc. Take a few extra minutes to slow down and watch for those youngsters. Thanks.

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The primary election is March 18. Don’t forget to cast your ballot. I’ve seen way too many elections decided by one or just a few votes. Your vote does count. Be informed, and make your voice heard.

Watch for contested candidate profiles in Thursday’s BCR, and check out our front page story today on early voting.

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Just for fun: One Sunday morning, a little girl and her mother go to church. Halfway through the service, the little girl tells her mother she’s going to be sick. Her mother tells her to go in the bushes behind the church. The girl leaves and comes back after about five minutes. Her mother asks her if she threw up.

‘’Yes,” the girl says. “But I didn’t have to go all the way ‘round the back. There was a box near the front door that said, ‘For the Sick.’’’

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Now that the weather is warmer, I’m hoping we can all get out and about a bit more. Let’s kick that cabin fever to the curb. I’m ready. How ‘bout you? As you go about your travels this week, please try to be gently with those you meet. And don’t forget to save some of that gentleness for yourself.